Department of Soil & Water Conservation Engineering, College of Technlology, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar -263145, Uttarakhand.
Seventeen years (1980–2001) point-rainfall data of Naula station located in Ramganga river catchment (Uttarakhand) have been analyzed on annual, seasonal, monthly and weekly basis for predicting the expected rainfall at different probability levels for planning a suitable cropping pattern. The analysis showed that the annual and seasonal rainfall data did not clearly indicate the problem of drought in the region; whereas the monthly and weekly rainfall data indicated serious concerns to deal with drought particularly during the post-monsoon or winter months (October to January). It also revealed that the winter months were the most suspectible to severe drought conditions. The weekly rainfall pattern gave a better understanding of drought and steps to be taken for short term planning of cropping system in the region. There is a need to adopt adequate moisture conservation measures like mulching etc. to mitigate the effect of drought spells during critical periods of crop growth, and to construct water harvesting ponds/tanks for application of presowing irrigation to Rabi (winter) crops, and supplimental irrigation during periods of water scarcity.
Hilly areas, Meteorological drought, Probability levels, Rainfed-agriculture, Crop planning
